Norman Francis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Norman Francis
Francis receives Presidential Medal of Freedom, 2006, from George W. Bush
Born	Norman Christopher Francis (1931-03-20)March 20, 1931 Lafayette, Louisiana, U.S.
Died	February 18, 2026(2026-02-18) (aged 94) New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Education	Xavier University of Louisiana (BS) Loyola University New Orleans (JD)
Occupation	Lawyer
Employer	Xavier University of Louisiana
Known for	First Black student at Loyola University New Orleans; first lay president of Xavier.
Board member of	UNCF, ETS
Awards	Presidential Medal of Freedom

Norman Christopher Francis (March 20, 1931 – February 18, 2026) was an important American educator and leader. He served as the president of Xavier University of Louisiana for 47 years, from 1968 to 2015. He was the first African American and the first non-religious person to lead the university. He also helped lead the recovery efforts in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. For his many contributions, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006.

A Champion for Education and Equality

Norman Francis dedicated his life to education and making sure everyone had fair opportunities. He believed that education was the key to a better future for all. His work helped many students and communities.

Early Life and Big Dreams

Norman Francis was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, on March 20, 1931. His parents worked hard and believed strongly in education. They made sure Norman and his siblings attended Catholic schools. Norman even shined shoes to earn pocket money.

After high school, he received a scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. He worked in the university library to help pay for his studies. Norman was an excellent student and was president of his class for all four years. He also became the student body president in his senior year.

Breaking Barriers in Law

After graduating from Xavier in 1952, Norman Francis made history. He became the first African American student to enroll at Loyola University New Orleans Law School. He earned his law degree in 1955.

Although he started practicing law, he soon realized his true passion was education. He felt he could help more people by focusing on teaching and leading. He believed education could change many lives.

Leading Xavier University

After serving in the United States Army for a year, Francis returned to Xavier University. He quickly rose through different leadership roles. In 1961, he played a key role in helping the Freedom Riders. This group worked to end unfair treatment in bus travel. Xavier University provided a safe place for them on campus.

A Time of Change and Growth

In 1968, Norman Francis became the president of Xavier University. This was a very important time in American history, as the Civil Rights Movement was happening. He was the first African American and the first non-religious person to hold this position at Xavier.

Under his leadership, Xavier University grew a lot. The number of students more than tripled. The university also added many new courses and expanded its campus. He guided Xavier for 47 years, making it a stronger and more important school. He retired from his role as president in June 2015.

Helping the Community After Disasters

After Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita hit Louisiana in 2005, Norman Francis stepped up to help. He served as the chairman of the Louisiana Recovery Authority. This state agency was in charge of planning how to rebuild Louisiana. His leadership was crucial in helping the state recover.

Honored for His Service

Norman Francis received many awards and honors for his lifelong work. In 2006, President George W. Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is one of the highest honors a civilian can receive in the United States.

In 2019, he received the Laetare Medal from the University of Notre Dame. This award recognizes outstanding service to the Catholic Church and society. He also received 35 honorary degrees from colleges and universities across the country.

In 2021, the city of New Orleans renamed a street in his honor. A major road, previously named for a Confederate leader, became Norman C. Francis Parkway. This recognized his important contributions to the community and his fight for equality.

• Knight Commanders of the Order of St. Gregory – a special honor from Pope John Paul II in 2000.
• "From Whence We Came" Award – from Allstate in 1999.
• The Times Picayune Loving Cup of 1991 – given to New Orleans citizens who help the community.

His Family and Legacy

Norman Francis was married to Blanche from 1955 until her death in 2015. They had six children together. He was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Norman Francis passed away on February 18, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the age of 94. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the institutions he strengthened.

Affiliations

Norman Francis was involved with many important organizations. He served as president of the United Negro College Fund. He was also chairman of the board for the Educational Testing Service and the Southern Education Foundation. He helped guide these groups in their work to improve education for everyone.